Problem: The writer of Hebrews declares that Levi paid tithes to Melchizedek through Abraham. However, Levi was not even born until hundreds of years after this time. So Levi could not possibly have actually paid tithes to Melchizedek—he could only have done it potentially.

Solution: This text is not speaking of an embryo, to say nothing of calling it a potential human being. First, it does not say that Levi was potentially in Abraham. He was probably only there representatively or figuratively.

Second, even if Levi was potentially in Abraham, it certainly does not follow that he was an embryo in Abraham.

Third, if Levi, who was not even conceived when he was said to be “in Abraham,” was a potential human being, then we are potential humans before we are even conceived.

Fourth, if this is so, then even human sperm (before they fertilize an ovum) are potential human beings just like embryos. But this is genetically incorrect. Sperm have only 23 chromosomes while embryos have 46

Expanded from [Ps. 139:13–16](Psalm_139.13-16.php:
Psalm 139:13–16
—Can it be inferred from this verse that the Bible considers abortion to be murder?
Problem:
According to this passage, God looks upon the unborn as a human being. However, if the unborn is fully human, then abortion would be the willful killing of the innocent—murder. Does this passage indicate that God considers abortion to be murder?
Solution:
Yes. Several other passages reinforce this position. First, the unborn are known intimately and called out by God. In
Jeremiah 1:5
, God says, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; and I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”

Second, the unborn are said to possess personal characteristics—sin, as in
Psalm 51:5
; or joy, as in
Luke 1:44
.

Third, anyone who harms the unborn receives the same punishment for harm done to an adult. Elsewhere , equal punishment is given for harm done to a woman or to the child she carries. God looks upon the unborn as fully human. And the willful taking of an innocent human life is murder.

).